A statement on the Debrett's website read: 'Popular sports columnist for the Daily Mail Martin Samuel has that enviable gift of appealing to both sports fans and non-sports fans alike.

'Samuel has previously enjoyed posts as sports writer and columnist at The Times and the News of the World after 2002, and was named Sports Writer of the Year by both the What the Papers Say Awards and the Sports Journalists' Association in 2005 and 2006. He also secured that holy grail of accolades, the highly prestigious Sports Journalist of the Year award at the 2008 British Press Awards.

'A favourite at the Daily Mail since his move there in 2008, Samuel came top in a 2012 UK Press Gazette poll of Britain's best sports journalists.'

Samuel is the only sports writer named on the list and is joined by sports stars including Lewis Hamilton, Andy Murray, Mo Farah and Rory McIlroy.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho also makes the top 500 as do Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and Man City captain Vincent Kompany.

Sportsmail columnist and boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is also named on the list along with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker and former England international David Beckham.

Reigning Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton was also named on the Debrett's 500 list

Former England captain David Beckham and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho were also included in the top 500

Joanne Milner, chief executive at Debrett's, said: 'We are delighted to announce this year's Debrett's 500. It's a fascinating mix of people, and not entirely who you might expect.

'Every individual, though, demonstrates outstanding qualities of influence, achievement and inspiration. I think now is the perfect time to consider how we can inspire the next generation of influencers, so that we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has an equal opportunity to succeed.

'The Debrett's Foundation is our way of addressing this issue.'

The foundation supports social mobility in a bid to ensure that the next generation of leaders and influencers are from all backgrounds.